THE Primary and Secondary Education ministry has announced the commencement of the Form 1 online application system.
The platform opens when Grade 7 pupils across the country are awaiting results to facilitate their proceeding to Form 1.
The platform, however, has been marred with challenges, whereby headmasters were accused of manipulating the system to line their pockets.
In a communiqué directed at parents and guardians, the ministry said the process, which is straightforward, was open until December 31.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has opened the online app platform (eMAP) for 2026 Form 1 boarding places,” the notice read.
“The platform will close on December 31, 2025. You may apply to a maximum of five schools.
“The system treats all five choices equally; it is a list.”
The ministry urged parents and guardians to understand the process thoroughly and its consequences.
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“When a school offers your child a place, you will receive an SMS,” the ministry said.
“The instant your child is accepted by one school, all other applications are automatically cancelled.
“If you choose to decline an offer, you must be aware that the place will be immediately offered to another applicant.”
The ministry further emphasised that once a placement is lost, it cannot be reclaimed.
“Declining an offer is a final decision. It is a risk that may result in your child securing no boarding place at all,” the notice read.
“Boarding places are limited. Apply to schools you are genuinely willing for your child to attend. If you receive an offer, consider it carefully.
“The ministry will not be responsible for placements lost due to declined offers. Government has enough Form 1 day-school vacancies for every pupil, so have alternative day-school arrangements in place.”
